Ask the CIA: What is shortening, exactly?

Apr. 26, 2006

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THE JOURNAL NEWS

THE JOURNAL NEWS

A: Shortening is a commercial product that can be found in the supermarket under a wide variety of brand names. It is a solid fat typically used in baking or deep frying. Made from blended oils that are solidified using various processes such as hydrogenation, it is odorless and white. Shortening is usually emulsified to enable baked goods to absorb more sugar, and it may contain real or artificial butter flavor. Unless labeled as vegetable shortening, it may contain some animal fat.

Shortening typically contains a type of fat called trans fat, which is the result of adding hydrogen to a vegetable oil in order to increase its shelf life and enhance flavor. Scientific studies have shown that consumption of trans fats may increase risk for coronary heart disease. A number of food manufacturers now offer shortening that is trans fat free.